No one has ever proved that a human being, through his descent from a certain group of people, must of necessity have certain mental characteristics.
About this quote
- What does it mean?
- There is no scientific evidence linking a person's ancestry to their mental abilities.
- In plain terms
- No one has proven that being born in a specific group makes you smart or not.
- What can you take from it?
- Do not assume intelligence based on birth.
Where it applies
Putting it to work
Questions to consider
- How do you judge potential in others?
Another view
It does not account for statistical averages in groups.
More from Franz Boas
The behavior of an individual is determined not by his racial affiliation, but by the character of his ancestry and his cultural environment.
Permalink to quote #2 The passion for seeking the truth for truth's sake...can be kept alive only if we continue to seek the truth for truth's sake.
Permalink to quote #1
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